Queen Asterion sat across from her husband and scowled. "Our son… have you spoken to him, James?"
King Asterion nodded. "I did, Isabel. He says he's been busy with the engagement preparations, and he's been working with the Emperor on some assignment he can't discuss. I asked the Emperor himself, and he said Charles will be a fine ruler one day. He was equally mysterious about it."
"That boy. I know him." The Queen frowned. "He seems unhappy. I should talk to him again, but whenever I ask him something, he deflects."
"Darling, let's give him some space. He travels often these days, and the engagement preparations are considerable. It's been postponed for two months already. I'm sure everyone is getting restless," the King said, squeezing her shoulder.
"You don't think he'll try to break it off again?" the Queen asked quietly. "He doesn't want this, James. You know that as well as I do. Are we really going to force his hand?"
